Shana Novak shares the heartwarming stories behind thousands of loved keepsakes through her photographs. Her captivating narratives come to life in a new book, "The Heirloomist: 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell." Chronicle Books will publish it on April 30. 

Capturing Stories Through Photography

Novak is a seasoned commercial still-life photographer in NYC known as 'The Heirloomist.' With an extensive portfolio that includes work with reputable organizations like Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Rolling Stone, and Time Magazine, she brings her professionalism and empathetic storytelling to the table, giving every client state-of-the-art quality and visual narrative mastery.

Novak's passion for keepsakes started within her family. Her grandmother treasured a set of sterling silverware alongside a metal plate that was once implanted in her leg after a golf cart accident. For Novak and her grandmother, these items hold immense value not in their monetary worth but in their sentimental significance for those who cherish them.

Novak believes an heirloom can encompass anything that reflects one's narrative, emphasizing that everyone has stories to tell. Her extensive photography work, which includes capturing nearly 1,500 cherished keepsakes, has been showcased on her Instagram and website, allowing these objects and their accompanying stories to be shared with a broader audience.

Preserving Stories Through Objects

The book features a diverse array of objects and their poignant tales, including celebrity anecdotes and those of everyday individuals. From Christy Turlington's transformative sculpture to Andrew Zimmern's ancestral carving set, each item holds a unique significance passed down through generations.

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"The Heirloomist" celebrates the profound significance of cherished possessions, regardless of their size or value, by delving into the heartfelt stories behind them. In this book that exudes warmth, we find out about the little things that make our lives remarkable - from humorous to emotional - demonstrated through photographs and stories. A genuine account of these articulations has been given.

Drawing inspiration from the popular Instagram account of the same name, photographer Novak transforms ordinary objects into meaningful works of art, creating a visually engaging and warmly entertaining coffee table book. Perfect for fans of The Heirloomist project, lovers of found objects and their stories, photography enthusiasts, and readers of collections like Humans of New York, Advanced Style, and Worn Stories, "The Heirloomist" offers a unique and memorable reading experience.

PEOPLE offers an exclusive glimpse into some of these cherished possessions. The collection includes Turlington's sculpture, a bronze cast by artist Pham Ngoc Long, which caught Turlington's eye just months before she became a first-time mother. Zimmern's carving Set and deer antler, passed down by his German ancestors, hold deep familial significance.

Another item is Tig Notaro's sons' stuffed toys called Elephante and Lamby. Notaro and her wife's twin sons, Max and Finn, bond with these stuffed toys. This bond represents their unique expressions of love. Olympic medals from two Team USA Hockey stars are also featured. Nate Berkus designed a charm bracelet for his daughter Poppy, honoring her uniqueness and family history. Essence Carson's hymnal symbolizes her lifelong passion for music, family, and faith.

These heartfelt stories are featured in Novak's book, "The Heirloomist: 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell," offering insight into the personal histories behind cherished possessions. Pre-order your copy today for a journey into the heartwarming world of meaningful keepsakes.

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